Public Release: 15-Oct-2013
3 new special papers produced for The Geological Society of America's 125th anniversary

IMAGE: These are covers for the three special papers mentioned in this press release.
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Credit: The Geological Society of America

Boulder, CO, USA - The Geological Society of America (GSA) announces the publication of three Special Papers in conjunction with its 125th Anniversary this year. Together, the volumes provide a sweeping overview of geoscience advances over the past 50 years, including how they have impacted society, and highlight new technologies and issues that will propel the geosciences into the future. The books will be showcased at the GSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Denver on 27-30 October 2013.

The meeting, which will take place at the Colorado Convention Center, is expected to draw about 8,000 attendees. An all-day special session dedicated to these books will have authors on hand to discuss their work.

Dr. Marion E. (Pat) Bickford of Syracuse University is the editor for volumes one and two (500 and 501). Bickford has been instrumental in bringing together a collection of papers written by outstanding scientists that address the advances made in the geosciences in the past 50 years. Critical subdisciplines are discussed, the development of new technologies is highlighted, and understanding the impact that geoscience has had on society is detailed.

Book three (502) editor Victor R. (Vic) Baker of The University of Arizona-Tucson had the task of "rethinking" a 1963 GSA book, The Fabric of Geology. Current authors provide historical context, expand upon some of the issues raised 50 years ago, and introduce new concerns.

Special Paper 500: The Web of Geological Sciences: Advances, Impacts, and Interactions

Written by leading scientists in most of the important subdisciplines of the geological sciences, the 19 chapters in this book examine the question, "What advances have been made in the past 50 years?" Advances from 1963 to 2013 include the development and understanding of plate tectonics, exploration of the Moon and Mars, the development of new computing and analytical technologies, and the understanding of the role of microbiology in geologic processes, to name but a few. Certain to become a frequently cited classic, this volume will be of great interest to professional scientists and will be particularly useful for students.

Special Paper 501: The Impact of the Geological Sciences on Society

Written by preeminent scientists in several areas of applied geosciences, this volume addresses the impact of the geological sciences, during the past 50 years, in such areas as geologic hazards, mineral resources, energy resources, water resources, soil resources, geology and health, geologic education, and the informing of general public policy. The chapters focus on the ways that earth science informs and benefits society. Far more than mere catalogues of resources, the chapters often address controversial topics, such as hydraulic fracturing, and will be of keen interest to scientists in industry, government, and academia. This anniversary volume will also be particularly useful to students considering careers in the geosciences.

Special Paper 502: Rethinking the Fabric of Geology

The 50 years since the publication of the book Fabric of Geology, edited by Claude C. Albritton Jr., have seen immense changes in both geology and philosophy of science. Philosophy of science is a far more nuanced subject than it was in 1963, but, with a few notable exceptions, little philosophical attention has been paid to geology. Rethinking the Fabric of Geology explores a number of philosophical issues in geology, ranging from its nature as a historical science to implications for geological education. The ten essays in this collection also include discussions of geological mapping, modeling prediction, and quantitative modeling. This volume invites students and professionals alike to think deeply about our science.

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